Tommy Kennedy a shortstop? That's an amusing statement.
The guy has done a lot for the game in the past. He has beaten many players of note during his career, & also runs a great tour that features many participants that may not be as well-known as he is, but are nonetheless high-caliber & respected players. His SE tour is open so that anyone can play if they desire to. It's my understanding there are discounts offered to juniors, women & amateur league players.
I remember Tommy as being one of the most feared, if not THE most feared, players on the old Florida 9-ball circuit. If memory serves, he captured the player of the year award many times over when that tour was in existence & consistently lead in the rankings. He also is the only un-ranked & un-seeded player to win the US Open, beating the #1 ranked player not once but twice in the tournament.
He also has one of the nicest personalities & is one of the most approachable professional players for fans to strike up a conversation with. There is no ego, no snot-nosed attitude, & no "I'm the best & you're not" crap with him. There is only genuine warmth & good-hearted enthusiasm on his part when it comes to talking about pool. He is truly one of pool's best ambassadors.